I need some suggestions for planning a vacation to Lake Havasu. I boat on the Mississippi River in the Quad City area (Moline, IL and Davenport, IA). I grew up boating and still 30 years later love it. I live my dreams through the pages of Powerboat, Hoat Boat and Extreme Boats Magazines, so all year long I see pictures of Lake Havasu and I love to see the variety of boats from an old Sanger Flat Bottom sitting on the beach right next to a 38 ft Fountain. I have spent the last several years at the Lake Rescue Shootout at Lake of the Ozarks and have loved every minute of it, but would like to try something different.

So, I need suggestions to visit Lake Havasu. Can a boater visit Lake Havasu without a boat? I think we are somewhere around 26 hours by road away and that right there ruins the trip to bring my boat, so we thought we would grap a cheap flight to Vegas and then drive down? Any thoughts? Then any suggestions on where to stay? I don't need anything fancy, but on the beach would be great.

Once we get there can a guy just walk the beach that you see in the magazines and check out all the boats? And would this be worth the time? What time of year or any special events that this would be great for? Are the shots in the Magazines just a couple of weekends a year or are these weekend after weekend shots? Is there much other than the beach to do? Will a guy be able to rent a boat and enjoy the sights in a couple of days?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions that anyone can give.

The channel is accessible without a boat. You could stay at the Nautical Inn and be on the beach. They do have boat rentals and the pontoon boats seem to be very popular. If you want the crazy time, go on one of the three major summer holidays. If not, any summer weekend will be fun.

Havasu can be nice all year around- but of course the target months are april thorugh september.
I agree the Nautical Inn would be a great choice to enjoy the whole atmosphere but the beauty of Havasu is on the water - so rent a boat for sure.

Come out for the Desert Storm Poker Run next year, usually in April. You will get a good vibe of Havasu, for sure...

Thanks guys. Would the Desert Storm Poker Run be good without a boat? I don't know the area at all, so could you drive to the different locations or would you just hang at one?

Thanks

Stay at the Agave Inn - a little more expensive but worth it - get a room that faces the channel, you can sit on your patio and watch the action.

Gregg Reichman

Ding Ding Ding! Winner!

If you have to do Havasu without a boat Agave is the ticket. Very nice place (more expensive but you get what you pay for), great view of the channel, easy walk up to the beaches outside of Nautical, etc.

I would also strongly recommend at least renting a pontoon. The water is really where it's at. (And it's hotter then hell standing on the beach.)